Cascara sagrada

Frangula purshiana (syn. Rhamnus purshiana)

Traditionally attributed effects: laxative, digestive tonic.

Safety notes

Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

The dried bark, aged for at least a year because fresh bark causes vomiting; as a decoction. No dosage is given here.

Use in traditions

Indigenous peoples of the Pacific coast used the bark as a laxative. Spanish missionaries called it 'sacred bark'. From 1877 it was sold as a medicine and became one of the most widely used laxatives. Since 2002 it may no longer be included in over-the-counter laxatives in the US, because its safety had not been shown.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Herbal medicine worldwide

Attributed effects

Laxative, digestive tonic.

Preparation and amount

Bark.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction

Sources

All herbs from North America →